It takes a special crazy to be a damned Marine.
He might be short, might be tall, he might be large or lean.
“He” might even be your sister. Marine Corps wants the best
And “takes‘em as they gets‘em” in a suit or in a dress
And they turn’em into Jarheads, just like precision tools
And spends their blood like water to pay your bill with jewels.
And even those who hate it and can’t wait till they get out
Remember each November tenth what it was all about.
It takes a special crazy to be a damned Marine;
It takes a special person to wear the cammy green.
It even helps a little if he’s dirty and profane
When butcher bills need paying (though the payment be in vain).
Wars aren’t won on battlefields, nor just by warrior’s skill,
And every night the evening news destroyed the nation’s will.
Although they won the battlefield and never rued the cost,
When they came home expecting cheers, they found that they had lost.
It takes a special crazy to be a damned Marine.
To “fight for right and freedom” and “keep our honor clean.”
For those who wore that uniform, though eyes with age may dim,
If they can stand—even with help—they’ll do so for the Hymn.
For they remember loyalty, they still mean Semper Fi—
And they will go on doing so until the day they die,
And when the bugle calls and sounds “ASSEMBLY” (as it must)
Their spirits still will answer, though their bones have turned to dust.
TO ALL MY MARINE CORPS FRIENDS, FROM BOOT CAMP ON, EVEN THOUGH ALL OF YOU ARE NOW GUARDING HEAVENS SCENES AND I AM THE LAST ONE OF US TO STILL BE STANDING, MAY YOU ALL ENJOY OUR BIRTHDAY, FOR YOU ALL HAVE EARNED IT. WILL SEE ALL OF YOU AGAIN AND YOU ALL REMAIN IN MY MEMORY. SEMPER FI AND VAYA CON DIOS.
A Belated “Happy Birthday” to the U.S. Marine Corps, from this old U.S. Air Force guy… Sorry I’m late, but here’s hoping “better late than never” still applies… :>)) …
Even though I am a retired Army Warrant, I have a special respect for the Marines. I served on seven Embassy assignments where the Marines were always present and ready to do their duty. Often left out of embassy functions and formal events, by the civilians, we in the Attache offices and Military Groups, always made the effort the give them the respect they were due.
We lost Marines in El Salvador. Marines were a recipient of an RPG attack on their way to the embassy in Guatemala. The Marines were the first to secure the roof (under fire) of the burning embassy in Pakistan so that embassy staff could evacuate. Those are just the incidents that I am aware of personally. There are many more where an embassy was under attack and the Marines were the only defense.
The Marine Corps Ball has always been the most sought after event by embassy staff. All want to be invited, and most are. I have had the privilege to attend 17 Marine Corps Balls.
I offer a heart-felt salute to all Marines. Semper Fi
Thank You for your Service